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A tactical and statistical look at why Spurs should recall Adebayor
November 8, 2012
By Amit Singh Think Football
Jermain Defoe has started this Premier League campaign in fine form leading to last season’s top scorer, Adebayor, having to wait for his chances on the bench. Defoe has scored 5 goals this season, with a further two assists, leading to huge amounts of praise from fans and pundits alike. But, Adebayor has replaced Defoe in the last two games early in the second half. Spurs struggled against Wigan on Saturday, missing a huge chances to extend their lead in fourth. Defoe was very quiet versus Wigan with 0 efforts on goal. But would Spurs benefit if Adebayor returned to the first team?
Defoe versus Adebayor
Adebayor was brilliant last season, his 17 gaols and 11 assists were a huge contributing factor to Spurs finishing 4th. Defoe on the other hand also had a positive contribution, scoring some big goals, but was generally peripheral, playing second fiddle to Adebayor.
If we compare their heat maps we can see a contrast in the style of play. Defoe is very much a centre forward, he likes to play on the shoulder and get in behind. A good example of this was his fine performance away at Reading earlier this season, a game in which he scored twice:
Defoe’s movement was focused around the centre circle showing his willingness to attack the defence, but also showing his limitations in his link up and support play.
If we contrast this with Adebayor’s heat map from last seasons 5-0 win over Newcastle, a game in which Adebayor got 4 assists we can see the contrast in style:
Adebayor was everywhere in this game, peeling off to the wings, dropping deep, getting very involved in support play. The fact that he can move into the channels is also positive as it allows Bale space to come inside without causing overcrowding in the middle of the pitch. With Defoe up top Bale cannot do this as effectively as he is much more focused on remaining in central positions.
Adebayor is much more multi-dimensional. Defoe has improved his link up this season significantly, but it is still not at the level of Adebayor’s. Defoe for example averages just 13 passes per game for Spurs this season. Compare this to Adebayor who last season averaged over 34 passes per game, more than double. The reason for this is as stated above that Defoe wants to play on the shoulder and score goals, whilst not being as adept at linking up with other attacking players. This can leave Defoe isolated and also lead to gaps between Spurs midfield and attack. Adebayor on the other hand links things up far more effectively. Ade is also much more physical due to his height, winning around 50% of his aerial duels; Defoe on the other hand has only won 17% of his this season.
Conclusion
Despite Defoe’s goal scoring form it might be time for Adebayor to make a return to the Spurs starting line-up ahead of Sunday’s tricky fixture away at Man City. Away at City Spurs will need a striker who can hold the ball up and bring others into player, not someone who will be isolated and solely look to get in behind. With the likelihood that the side will miss at least two first choice midfielders, they will need a forward who can drop in and assist in this area.
Defoe still has a big role to play at Spurs. His goal scoring form has been important for AVB’s men to mount an early challenge for fourth. Whilst Defoe will want to be the main striker he still has a big role as a squad player, coming in for Ade as an impact sub as well as playing in any squad rotation.
November 8, 2012
By Amit Singh Think Football
Jermain Defoe has started this Premier League campaign in fine form leading to last season’s top scorer, Adebayor, having to wait for his chances on the bench. Defoe has scored 5 goals this season, with a further two assists, leading to huge amounts of praise from fans and pundits alike. But, Adebayor has replaced Defoe in the last two games early in the second half. Spurs struggled against Wigan on Saturday, missing a huge chances to extend their lead in fourth. Defoe was very quiet versus Wigan with 0 efforts on goal. But would Spurs benefit if Adebayor returned to the first team?
Defoe versus Adebayor
Adebayor was brilliant last season, his 17 gaols and 11 assists were a huge contributing factor to Spurs finishing 4th. Defoe on the other hand also had a positive contribution, scoring some big goals, but was generally peripheral, playing second fiddle to Adebayor.
If we compare their heat maps we can see a contrast in the style of play. Defoe is very much a centre forward, he likes to play on the shoulder and get in behind. A good example of this was his fine performance away at Reading earlier this season, a game in which he scored twice:
Defoe’s movement was focused around the centre circle showing his willingness to attack the defence, but also showing his limitations in his link up and support play.
If we contrast this with Adebayor’s heat map from last seasons 5-0 win over Newcastle, a game in which Adebayor got 4 assists we can see the contrast in style:
Adebayor was everywhere in this game, peeling off to the wings, dropping deep, getting very involved in support play. The fact that he can move into the channels is also positive as it allows Bale space to come inside without causing overcrowding in the middle of the pitch. With Defoe up top Bale cannot do this as effectively as he is much more focused on remaining in central positions.
Adebayor is much more multi-dimensional. Defoe has improved his link up this season significantly, but it is still not at the level of Adebayor’s. Defoe for example averages just 13 passes per game for Spurs this season. Compare this to Adebayor who last season averaged over 34 passes per game, more than double. The reason for this is as stated above that Defoe wants to play on the shoulder and score goals, whilst not being as adept at linking up with other attacking players. This can leave Defoe isolated and also lead to gaps between Spurs midfield and attack. Adebayor on the other hand links things up far more effectively. Ade is also much more physical due to his height, winning around 50% of his aerial duels; Defoe on the other hand has only won 17% of his this season.
Conclusion
Despite Defoe’s goal scoring form it might be time for Adebayor to make a return to the Spurs starting line-up ahead of Sunday’s tricky fixture away at Man City. Away at City Spurs will need a striker who can hold the ball up and bring others into player, not someone who will be isolated and solely look to get in behind. With the likelihood that the side will miss at least two first choice midfielders, they will need a forward who can drop in and assist in this area.
Defoe still has a big role to play at Spurs. His goal scoring form has been important for AVB’s men to mount an early challenge for fourth. Whilst Defoe will want to be the main striker he still has a big role as a squad player, coming in for Ade as an impact sub as well as playing in any squad rotation.
